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Corky Lee was a prominent Chinese-American photojournalist and activist known for his dedication to capturing the diverse stories and struggles of Asian Americans through his lens. What illness did he suffer before his sudden passing? Read to find out more.
Corky Lee was born in Queens, New York City, United States of America on September 5, 1947. He grew up in a predominantly white neighborhood where he experienced discrimination and racism. These early experiences would shape his passion for social justice and inspire him to use his photography as a means of activism.
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His interest in photography began in high school when he started taking pictures for the school newspaper. He later studied photography at the San Francisco Art Institute and the New School for Social Research in New York.
In the 1970s, Lee became involved in the Asian American movement, which aimed to promote awareness and empowerment among Asian Americans who had long been marginalized and excluded from mainstream American society. Lee’s photographs became a powerful tool in this movement, documenting events and stories that had previously been ignored by the media.
One of his most iconic images is his photograph of the 1982 protest in San Francisco’s Chinatown against the killing of Vincent Chin, a Chinese American man who was beaten to death by two white men in a racially motivated attack.
The photograph shows an Asian American man holding a sign that reads “Justice for Vincent Chin” with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. The image became a rallying cry for the Asian American community and a symbol of the fight against racism and injustice.
Throughout his career, his photographs appeared in numerous publications, including The New York Times, Time magazine, and the Village Voice. He also worked as a staff photographer for the New York Chinatown newspaper, The Citizen’s News.
In addition to his photography, he was also an active member of the Asian American community, advocating for issues such as immigration rights, affirmative action, and the recognition of the contributions of Asian Americans to American society.
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Read Also: Meet Corky Lee Daughter, Cynthia Zhou
Corky Lee Illness
The famous Chinese-American activist and photographer, Corky Lee suffered complications from COVID-19. He sadly passed away at the age of 73 years in January, 2021. According to reports, the late photographer is suspected to have contracted the illness that later caused his death while he was patrolling Chinatown to protect the natives from anti-Asian violence. His legacy continues to inspire and educate others about the struggles and triumphs of Asian Americans.
